The Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR), through the Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD), conducted the activity titled, “A Feast For Peace (F4P): A Leadership Camp towards Creating Spaces for Youth in Peacebuilding Process” on September 25-27, 2024 at Loreland Farm Resort, Antipolo City, Rizal. The three-day leadership camp was held to develop the skills of Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) Officials and representatives of youth organizations in NCR toward sustainable peace and inclusive development in the region.

To commence the activity, DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III urged the youth leaders to actively contribute to the advancement of the peacebuilding agenda.

“The youth is one of the largest and most dynamic sectors involved in peacebuilding. As youth leaders, your instruments are your minds, your words, and your voices in contributing to peacebuilding and nation-building,” RD Agustin stated.

As one of the partners of the Department in ensuring a safe and secure region, Joint Task Force – National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) Commander BGen Eric Macaambac PN(M) expressed the support of the task force on various peace and development initiatives of the DILG-NCR. Further, Commander Macaambac assured the youth that the JTF-NCR is ready to protect and sustain peace in the metro.

“Sa mga kabataan, nandito kami sa Armed Forces, ang inyong mga magulang para matulungan kayo at mabigyan kayo ng gabay para sa ikagaganda ng inyong buhay at kinabukasan,” Commander Macaambac mentioned.

Shortly after, LGCDD Acting Chief Luigi D.C. Pilarta provided a brief walkthrough of the program, which includes a series of peaceful and engaging activities. He also introduced the concept of Positive Peace as a dynamic process in achieving long-lasting peace. Afterwards, Acting Chief Pilarta presented an overview of the Capacitating Urban Communities for Peace and Development (CUCPD) Program, which serves as a key program of the Department aimed at sustaining peace and accelerating inclusive development.

The participants were then arranged into five groups, namely, Marangal, Mabuti, Matatag, Matalino, at Malikhain–representing the ideals of a responsible youth leader.

On the first day of the leadership camp, Edmalynne A. Remillano, Co-Founder and Chief of Creatives and Production of FILI Studios, reiterated the importance of media literacy in combating mis- and disinformation. The discussion helped the youth leaders to identify false information and stop the spreading of harmful content online. One News Executive Producer Eleazar L. Del Rosario then discussed the basics of documentary filmmaking and facilitated an activity where participants were tasked to create a short video about peace. Afterwards, Dr. Angelo Aga Dominico Silvestre, an Associate Psychologist of App Mind Psychological Services, conducted a mindfulness session to support the mental health and well-being of the participants.

Starting early on the second day, MSgt Ramon Egalam Jr PN(M) and TSgt Francisco Etajan PN(M) facilitated the exercises on calisthenics and kali to promote the physical well-being of the youth participants. Subsequently, Arnis Instructors Maestro Melchor William Amosco and Maestra Rosalie Quino Amosco of the International Arnis Federation (iArnis) guided the youth leaders on the basics of Arnis to instill discipline among the youth. At the end of the physical sessions, University of the Philippines – College of Music Senior Lecturer Althea Danielle Tolentino, RMT conducted a songwriting session and steered the students to develop their respective songs about peace. 

On the last day of the camp, Atty. Giancarlo S. Garcia of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) underscored the importance of debate and peace argumentation as an instrument for proposing peaceful solutions and resolving conflicts in their respective localities and organizations. In the last session, Teacher Erwin G. Pasquin of the Antonio A. Maceda Integrated School demonstrated techniques in poster-making to highlight and convey a message of peace through visuals. 

Towards the end, Mr. Rocco Nacino shared his experience as a Navy reservist and celebrity. Through an inspirational message, he motivated the youth to participate in government peacebuilding endeavors by joining the Armed Forces Reserve. 

In her closing remarks, DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV encouraged the participants to work together in achieving inclusive peace and development in NCR.

“The DILG-NCR pledges to continuously develop participatory engagements like this leadership camp to bring dialogues to a greater extent,” ARD Baltazar-Cortez stated.

Celebrating the National Peace Consciousness Month with the theme, “Peace Month @20: Bagong Pilipinas – Transforming Minds. Transforming Lives.,” the F4P Leadership Camp supports the peacebuilding agenda strategies of the CUCPD Program and the DILG-NCR towards a matino, mahusay, at maaasahang kagawaran para sa mapagkalinga at maunlad na pamahalaang lokal.